Condensation p-trap with removable receptacle

ABSTRACT

A condensation P-trap with a removable receptacle includes a base housing and the receptacle. The base housing includes a first side, a second side, a bottom portion and a top portion. A protruding inlet is disposed on the first side of the base housing to receive condensate water from a system dispersing the condensation (e.g., an air conditioning system) and a protruding outlet is disposed on the second side of the base housing at a substantially lower elevation to disperse overflowing condensate water. The receptacle is removably attached to the bottom portion of the base housing and fills with water such that the presence of the water prevents backflow to the system. Because the receptacle is removable, debris can be easily removed when the P-trap is serviced.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a condensation P-trap with a removablereceptacle.

2. Description of the Related Art

An air conditioning system reduces the temperature of a volume of air bypushing it past an evaporator coil. Water vapor from the air condenseson the evaporator coil and drips into a drain pan. After collection inthe drain pan, the condensate water is directed through a condensatedrain line until finally exiting into a house drain or directly to theoutside of the house. The drain line typically includes a trap, known asa P-trap, to prevent the air conditioning unit from drawing air fromoutside back into the air conditioning system by the air-conditionerfan.

A P-trap is given its name because it is shaped somewhat like the letter“P”. Typically, the outlet from the drain line is at a higher elevationthan the outlet from the trap. A downwardly curved portion is filledwith water and blocks air from being sucked back into the airconditioning system. However, over time, a P-trap may become cloggedwith debris. In fact, servicing a P-trap is a common reason for aservice call. In some instances, the P-trap may be serviced by insertionof a brush through an opening in the trap. Sometimes, the entire P-trapmust be removed or replaced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a condensation P-trap with aremovable receptacle. The condensation P-trap with a removablereceptacle includes a base housing and the receptacle. The base housingincludes a first side, a second side, a bottom portion and a topportion. A protruding inlet is disposed on the first side of the basehousing to receive condensate water from a system dispersing thecondensation (e.g., an air conditioning system) and a protruding outletis disposed on the second side of the base housing at a substantiallylower elevation to disperse overflowing condensate water. The receptacleis removably attached to the bottom portion of the base housing andfills with water such that the presence of the water prevents backflowto the system. Because the receptacle is removable, debris can be easilyremoved when the P-trap is serviced.

In an embodiment, the base housing includes a separation wall forming apair of chambers within the base housing. In this embodiment, one of thechambers directs the flow of water from the protruding inlet to theremovable receptacle, and the other chamber directs the flow of waterfrom the removable receptacle to the protruding outlet. In anotherembodiment, the condensation P-trap is substantially the same exceptthat the separation wall is not included and the protruding outletassumes a different shape. In this embodiment, the protruding outlet isL-shaped so as to extend from the base housing to just above or into thereceptacle to disperse condensate water overflowing from the removablereceptacle. In various embodiments, the condensation P-trap can includea magnetic overflow switch having a float that includes a magnetattached thereto that is capable of activating a switch to shut off thesystem or activate an alarm. In various embodiments, the condensationP-trap can include a bleeder hole disposed near the top portion of thebase housing to expel gas and reduce pressure from the base housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For further understanding of the disclosure, reference will be made tothe following detailed description of the present invention, which isaccompanied with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art condensation P-trap;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a condensation P-trap with aremovable receptacle, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates an overhead view of the condensation P-trap of FIG.1;

FIG. 2C illustrates a close-up top view of the condensation P-trap ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the condensation P-trap of FIG. 1 withthe receptacle removed;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a condensation P-trap with a removablereceptacle, according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a condensation P-trap with a removablereceptacle, according to yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art condensation P-trap 10, is illustrated.As shown, the condensation P-trap 10 is connected to a drain line outlet12 of an air conditioning system 11. A base tube 13 includes adownwardly curved portion 13A that is filled with condensate water thatblocks air from being sucked back into the air conditioning system 11since the amount of force to push the condensation out of the way isless than the negative pressure sucking it in. The base tube 13 mayextend away from the air conditioning system 11. A condensation outlet14 expels the condensation from the downwardly curved portion 13A awayfrom the air conditioning system 11.

However, over time, the traditional condensation P-trap 10 may becomeclogged with debris. In fact, servicing the traditional condensationP-trap 10 is a common reason for a service call. In some instances, thetraditional condensation P-trap 10 may be serviced by insertion of abrush through an opening in the trap or the like. In other instances,entire traditional condensation P-trap 10 has to be removed or replaced.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a side view of a condensation P-trap 100 with aremovable receptacle 130, is illustrated. The P-trap 100 includes a basehousing 110, a protruding inlet 120, a protruding outlet 140, aseparation wall 160 and a bleeder hole 150. The removable receptacle 130is attached to the base housing 110, preferably by threading so it canbe easily removed for cleaning. Referring to FIG. 2B, an overhead viewof the condensation P-trap 100, is illustrated. As shown, the basehousing 110 is substantially cylindrical and the separation wall 160forms a pair of chambers 162 within the base housing 110.

The base housing 110 may have a first side, a second side, a bottomportion and a top portion or the like. The base housing 110 may be madeof a plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a metal, such ascopper, for example. In an embodiment, the P-trap 100 is constructed ofPVC with base housing 110 having about a 2.75 inch outside diameter (OD)and a one-eighth inch wall. The separation wall 160 can be aboutone-eighth inch thick as well, for example. The height of the basehousing 110 can be about 3.5 inches. The height of the receptacle 130can be about 2 inches to about 5.75 inches. Although the receptacle 130is shown with a substantially flat bottom, it can be curved. It is to beunderstood that the exact dimensions of the P-trap 100 described hereinwill depend on such factors as the capacity of the air conditioningsystem 112, the amount of expected condensation and the negative airpressure from the air conditioning system 112, as well as such factorsas cost and aesthetics, etc. Where the P-trap 100 is made of a plastic,the base housing 110 and the receptacle 130 can be made using aninjection molding process, for example. The protruding inlet 120 and theprotruding outlet 140 can be separate pieces of piping slip jointed intocorresponding holes, for example. Alternatively, the protruding inlet120 and/or the protruding outlet 140 can be molded together with thebase housing 110. Instead of using threading to join the base housing110 and the receptacle 130, the base housing 110 and the receptacle 130can be compression fitted, connected using interlocking parts, etc.

The protruding inlet 120 is disposed on the first side of the basehousing 110 to receive condensation from an air conditioning system 112dispersing the condensate water. The removable receptacle 130 is coupledon the bottom portion of the base housing 110 to receive the condensatewater from the protruding inlet 120. The removable receptacle 130 may beremoved from the base housing 110 to clean debris 135 collected overtime. The protruding outlet 140 is disposed on the second side of thebase housing 110 at lower a lower elevation than the protruding inlet120. The protruding outlet 140 disperses overflowing condensate water180 overflowing from the removable receptacle 130 to the outside of thebase housing 110. The bleeder hole 150 may be disposed near the topportion of the base housing 110 to expel gas and reduce pressure (i.e.,air) from the base housing 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A-2B,the condensation P-trap 100 includes the separation wall 160 that on oneside directs the flow of water from the protruding inlet 120 to theremovable receptacle 130, and on the other side directs the flow ofwater from the removable receptacle 130 to the protruding outlet 140.

Referring to FIG. 2C, a close-up top view of the condensation P-trap100, is illustrated. In the event that the P-trap 100 fills with water180 which potentially may flow back into the air conditioning system112, an overflow switch 170 can be provided. In the illustratedembodiment, the overflow switch 170 is a magnetic overflow switch. Theoverflow switch 170 includes a float 172 having a permanent magnetattached thereto. When the level of the water 180 reaches the float 172,the float 172 starts to float on the water. As the water level continuesto rise, the float 172 rises with the water 180. Eventually, themagnetic field generated from within the float 172 actuates the overflowswitch 170. In an embodiment, electrical connectors 174 and 174′ fromthe air conditioning system 112 are electrically attached to theoverflow switch 170, and activation of the overflow switch 170 causesthe circuit to be opened. Accordingly, the air conditioning system 112is turned off.

Referring to FIG. 3, a side view of the condensation P-trap 100 with thereceptacle 130 removed, is illustrated. As shown, a bottom portion ofthe base housing 110 includes a externally threaded portion 118 and atop portion of the receptacle 130 includes an internally threadedportion 132, wherein the externally threaded portion 118 and theinternally threaded portion 132 have respective male and female threadssuch that the receptacle 130 can be screwed on or off the base housing110. To ensure a proper fit, a gasket 117 may be tightly fit between thebase housing 110 and the receptacle 130, as shown. The gasket 117 may bemade of rubber or other suitable material. In an embodiment, the threads118, 132 each extend about 0.5 of an inch to an inch or more.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of a condensation P-trap 200 with aremovable receptacle 130, according to another embodiment, isillustrated. The condensation P-trap 200 is substantially same as thecondensation P-trap 100 except that the separation wall 160 is notincluded and the protruding outlet assumes a different shape. Inparticular, a protruding outlet 140′ is L-shaped so as to extend fromthe base housing 110 into the receptacle 130 to disperse condensatewater 180 overflowing from the removable receptacle 130 outside the basehousing 110. In this embodiment, the outlet 140′ may comprise a slipjointed separate piece of piping. Although the protruding outlet 140′ isshown extending into the removable receptacle 130, it could insteadextend just above the removable receptacle 130.

Referring to FIG. 5, a side view of a condensation P-trap 300 with aremovable receptacle 130, according to another embodiment, isillustrated. The condensation P-trap 300 is substantially same as thecondensation P-trap 200 except that the L-shaped protruding outlet 140′is not present. Instead, a protruding inlet 120′ takes the place of theprotruding inlet 120, assuming a different shape. In particular, theprotruding outlet 120′ is L-shaped so as to extend from the base housing110 into the receptacle 130 to deposit condensate water 180. In thisembodiment, the inlet 120′ may comprise a slip jointed separate piece ofpiping. Although the protruding inlet 120′ is shown extending into theremovable receptacle 130, it could instead extend just above theremovable receptacle 130.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the variousexemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, notlimiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A condensation P-trap, comprising: a base housinghaving a first side, a second side, a bottom portion and a top portion;a protruding inlet disposed on the first side of the base housing toreceive condensate from a system dispersing the condensation; aremovable receptacle coupled to the bottom portion of the base housingto receive the condensation from the protruding inlet, the removablereceptacle removeable from the base housing; and a protruding outletdisposed on the second side of the base housing that is disposed loweron the base housing than the protruding inlet, the protruding outletdispersing overflowing condensation overflowing from the removablereceptacle outside the base housing.
 2. The condensation P-trapaccording to claim 1, further comprising a separation wall forming apair of chambers within the base housing.
 3. The condensation P-trapaccording to claim 1, further comprising an overflow switch.
 4. Thecondensation P-trap according to claim 3, wherein the overflow switch isa magnetic overflow switch.
 5. The condensation P-trap according toclaim 4, wherein the magnetic overflow switch includes a float.
 6. Thecondensation P-trap according to claim 5, wherein the float includes amagnet that is capable of activating a switch.
 7. The condensationP-trap according to claim 1, wherein the base housing is made ofplastic.
 8. The condensation P-trap according to claim 1, wherein thebase housing is made of metal.
 9. The condensation P-trap according toclaim 1, wherein the system is an air conditioning system.
 10. Thecondensation P-trap according to claim 1, wherein the removablereceptacle is coupled on the bottom portion of the base housing withcorresponding threading.
 11. The condensation P-trap according to claim10, wherein the coupling further includes a seal.
 12. The condensationP-trap according to claim 1, further including a bleeder hole.
 13. Acondensation P-trap, comprising: a base housing having a first side, asecond side, a bottom portion and a top portion; a protruding inletdisposed on the first side of the base housing to receive condensationfrom a system dispersing the condensation; a removable receptaclecoupled on the bottom portion of the base housing to receive thecondensation from the protruding inlet, the removable receptacle capableof being removed from the base housing; and a protruding outlet disposedon the second side of the base housing that is disposed lower than theprotruding inlet near the bottom of the base housing, the protrudingoutlet comprising an L-shaped pipe extending adjacent the removablereceptacle.
 14. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, furthercomprising an overflow switch.
 15. The condensation P-trap according toclaim 13, wherein the overflow switch is a magnetic overflow switch. 16.The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein the magneticoverflow switch includes a magnet that is capable of activating aswitch.
 17. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein thebase housing is made of plastic or metal.
 18. The condensation P-trapaccording to claim 13, wherein the system is an air conditioning system.19. The condensation P-trap according to claim 13, wherein the removablereceptacle is coupled to the bottom portion of the base housing with aplurality of corresponding threading.
 20. A condensation P-trap,comprising: a base housing having a first side, a second side, a bottomportion and a top portion; a protruding inlet disposed on the first sideof the base housing to receive condensation from a system dispersing thecondensation, the protruding inlet comprising an L-shaped pipe extendingadjacent the removable receptacle; a removable receptacle coupled on thebottom portion of the base housing to receive the condensation from theprotruding inlet, the removable receptacle capable of being removed fromthe base housing; and a protruding outlet disposed on the second side ofthe base housing that is disposed lower than the protruding inlet nearthe bottom of the base housing.